Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Lieutenant Commander Alexander Gordon Lyle, DC, USN

Alexander Gordon Lyle, Jr. was born on 12 November 1889, Gloucester, MA. At the time of action he was a lieutenant commander in the Dental Corps, USN. His citation reads, “ For extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the Fifth Regiment, United States Marines. Under heavy shellfire, on 23 April 1918, on the French Front, Lieutenant Commander Lyle rushed to the assistance of Corp. Thomas Regan, who seriously wounded, and administered such effective surgical aid while bombardment was still continuing, as to save the life of Corporal Regan.”

Alexander Lyle was a graduate of the Baltimore College of Dentistry in 1912. Between the wars he served in a variety of posts including a stint with the Fourth Regiment, U.S. Marines in China. In March 1943 he was promoted to Dental Surgeon with the rank of rear admiral—the first Navy dental officer to attain the status of flag.

Rear Admiral Lyle died on 15 July 1955 in Portsmouth, RI. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery (Section 2, Lot 1114-1).

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